Teacher Zhou: Don’t panic, you haven’t jumped for a while. Besides, I heard your sports teacher say your problem is with the take-off, and when you take-off on a single foot, you must be quick to twist your body. Come on, try one more time.

Xiao An: OK, teacher Zhou. I will have another try, hopefully I can get over it this time.

Xiao Fang: Cousin!

Teacher Zhou: Xiao Fang!

Xiao Fang: Xiao An, how come you’re doing high-jump here, are you in a sports meet?

Xiao An: No, not a sports meet, I have a test next week, it’s my elective. Oh right, did you come to see Teacher Zhou?

Xiao Fang: That’s right.

Teacher Zhou: Xiao Fang, you found your way here. Look, I’m helping Xiao An practice high jump! Come on, Xiao Fang, Xiao An, let’s take a break, have some water and we can chat. (hands out water)

Xiao Fang/ Xiao An: Thank you.

Xiao Fang: Xiao An, I was back there watching you – your jump seems pretty professional, but how come you can’t get over?

Xiao An: The jump I’m practicing is also called the “Fosbury” flop, it was pioneered by an American athlete in 1968.

Teacher Zhou: By rights he should be able to jump over that height. Maybe it’s nerves since he’s only just started training.

Xiao Fang: That’s right, I tried this way of jumping in high school, at the time the thought that I must fly over the pole with my back downwards and face upwards was really daunting, I didn’t even dare try.

Teacher Zhou: It’s normal to get scared when you start practicing.

Xiao An: I think if I can jump over 1.5 metres during this test I’ll have made it. God help me!

Xiao Fang: Xiao An, are you worried ab0ut failing the test--even with help from such a responsible teacher like my cousin?

Teacher Zhou: Come on, Xiao An, let’s practise again. Remember to run in a curve on the way to the bar, don’t be nervous.

Xiao An: OK.

(run-up, jump)

Xiao Fang: Go Xiao An! Oh, he got over it! That’s amazing!

Teacher Zhou: Xiao Fang, next we’ll raise the bar by another 2 centimetres.

Xiao Fang: Xiao An, do you also get 3 chances at exam time – like in competition?

Xiao An: (jokes) Usually yes. I think at exam time teachers would give me a 4th chance.

Xiao Fang: You wish. Xiao An, I’ve always thought that high-jump was more interesting than other sports.

Teacher Zhou: Oh, really? Why?

Xiao Fang: You see, even if someone comes first, he could still be a loser to the height he’s challenging.